I want to be a pilot because it affords everybody I know the pride of my accomplishment. I would be able to go everywhere I want to go and be able to accomplish things that would make me happy like flying to different places including overseas. I will also be able to fly my family around DeKalb. The possibilities are endless.

“Since I was a kid, it’s been my dream to become a pilot. My parents taught me that we have dreams for a reason – to accomplish them.”

“I want to represent one in the two percent of 74 million African Americans throughout this universe to have a pilot license. Therefore, I’m taking up the challenge to earn my pilot's license.”

“When I heard about Tuskegee NEXT I instantly knew I wanted to apply to further my interest in aviation.”

“I joined this program to test myself. I think the best privilege this program has offered me so far is the chance to see myself in action when I put my mind to something.”

“Aviation speaks to my soul and inner spirit. When I am in a plane and in command, there is a level of empowerment that cannot be beat!”

“I chose to partake in this program because through this program I have a chance to get my private pilot license before college and be able to go on to working on my instrument rating.”

“I knew from the get-go that the Tuskegee NEXT program would push me further than I could ever imagine to further accelerate my future.”

I want to become a pilot because it is uncommon to see Latino women in this industry. Latinos make up 5% of the aviation industry. The percentage of Latino women is less than 2%. I want to break barriers and encourage other girls to do the same.

I want to attend the Air Force Academy, major in Engineering and become a professional pilot.

I want a career in commercial aviation as a “PIC” of a Boeing 747 for a major airliner like Delta Airlines. It is my goal to earn an A&P license so that I can be certified to do maintenance on the planes as well if needed.

I want to become a cargo pilot, corporate pilot or a fighter pilot.

I want to attend the United States Air Force Academy, become a pilot in the military and a teacher.

I want to become a Professional Pilot and a U.S. Senator. I want to make a difference by helping others.

Marcellus Lee Freeman, a college freshman from Chicago, loves planes. He spends hours on flight simulators, and more hours building and flying model airplanes (he belongs to the Chicago Model Masters).

But it’s the real stuff he aspires to fly—his goal is to be a commercial pilot, as well as a certified flight instructor so that he can help others.

Amira Rae Collier, a college sophomore from Chicago, has dreamed of the skies since a young age. She hopes to one day work for an organization like NASA or Lockheed Martin, and she has grabbed every opportunity she could to get closer to her dream. She is a proud member of the National Society of Black Engineers and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Many urban youth are faced with difficult decisions in today's world - and sometimes none of them open doors. Tensions are high. Recent conflicts in Ferguson, Baltimore, and other cities indicate significant levels of frustration, anger, and despair.

I chose to apply to Tuskegee NEXT because the program provides an amazing opportunity to accomplish major milestones on the way to an aviation career.

I chose to apply to Tuskegee NEXT because I want to attend Tuskegee University after high school. I knew this program was a way that I could start my aviation career before college begins, and that it would help me carry on the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen.

Being a Tuskegee NEXT cadet is a blessing, and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life learning new things and finding new heights from which to soar.